Assisted Reproductive Technology in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

Since the world’s first test-tube baby was born in 1978, assisted reproductive technology (ART) has continued to be developed, resulting in the birth of estimated four million babies by ART, worldwide. The recent large-scale twin study in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) suggested that the contribution of early environmental factors is stronger than that was thought before. As such environmental factors, ART is one of the candidates. On the other hand, the prevalence of ASD has increased dramatically over the last decades; meanwhile the use of ART has also increased rapidly. Therefore, association between this increase in ASD prevalence and the increase in ART procedures has been suggested. Contradictory results have been reported concerning a possible correlation between ART and ASD, and the existence of such an association remains unclear. About the risk of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in ART children, a national registry study has found the weak but statistically significant association. Similarly, another national registry study has found the statistically significant associated of ART with broad range of psychiatric conditions including ASD and ADHD. The large-scale follow-up study of ART children that clarifies factors associated with increased risk of developmental disorders including ASD is very important for the development of better ART procedures. We hope that ART becomes an increasingly safe and effective therapy for infertile couples.